COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI)
NIEHS works other federal agencies and research partners to learn more about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and assists with the pandemic response. Here is a collection of news articles and other materials to keep you informed about NIEHS activities and discoveries.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Answers for Concerns & Questions - Dr. Darryl Zeldin NIH/NIEHS Scientific Director – February 1, 2021
Environmental Factor Articles
June 2021
NIH Disaster Research Response Program Launches New Website – June 2021
NIEHS is providing a new home for the Disaster Research Response (DR2) program and its vast collection of web-based resources needed for scientists to conduct vital and timely public health research in the aftermath of disasters.
Sharon Beard Recognized by American Industrial Hygiene Association – June 2021
Sharon Beard, Acting Chief of the NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) has received the 2021 Rachel Carson Award from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
New Marker of COVID-19 Severity Points to Potential Therapies – June 2021
Certain fatty acids in the blood of COVID-19 patients may predict the severity of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and offer a target for treatment, according to a new NIEHS-funded study.
May 2021
New NIH Funding Advances COVID-19 Testing – May 2021
Four new Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), issued April 13, will move a program called RADx(SM) Underserved Populations (RADx[SM]-UP) rapidly into its next phase.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery for Workers, Communities – May 2021
In April, NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) awardees began work on COVID-19 recovery centers to promote health, safety, and recovery training for essential workers and their communities.
Scholars Find New Ways to Research Amidst a Global Pandemic – May 2021
Members of the 2020-2021 NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) presented their research at the April 16 Spring Symposium.
Biomarker Suggests Severity of COVID-19 Respiratory Distress – May 2021
In a study funded in part by NIEHS, researchers reported April 1 that certain fatty acids in the blood of COVID-19 patients may predict the severity of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
NIEHS Earns WELL Building Rating, First Among Feds – May 2021
On March 30, NIEHS became the first U.S. federal agency to achieve the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) Health-Safety Rating.
April 2021
Freezer donations add COVID-19 vaccine storage capacity in North Carolina – April 1, 2021
On March 16, NIEHS shipped 11 ultracold laboratory-grade freezers to the North Carolina (NC) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), thanks to a grassroots project from within the institute's Office of Management.
March 2021
Organs-on-a-chip for COVID-19 Research Group Led by NTP Center – March 1, 2021
Federal agencies collaborate on microphysiological systems to accelerate development of new treatments.
Fighting Misinformation, Preventing Workplace COVID-19 Exposure – March 1, 2021
The NIEHS Worker Training Program’s monthly COVID-19−focused webinars aim to protect workers who may be at risk of exposure.
A Tool for Visualizing County-level COVID-19 Risk Factors – March 1, 2021
The COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI) Dashboard, created by NIEHS researchers and collaborators at North Carolina State University and Texas A & M University, addresses knowledge gaps in pandemic risk at the county level.
February 2021
Pandemic Vulnerability Tool Provides County-level Snapshots – February 1, 2021
Visualizations of 12 risk factors support localized public health interventions to stem the pandemic’s spread.
COVID-19 Testing Staff Greeted With Tasty Thanks – February 1, 2021
In a grassroots effort, Division of the National Toxicology Program volunteers surprised testers with an edible expression of gratitude.
January 2021
Global Health in the COVID-19 Era Explored at Local Conference – January 1, 2021
Health system preparedness, equity of access, culture, and misinformation challenges dominate discussions.
COVID-19 Impacts on Children With Special Needs, Their Families – January 1, 2021
Diversity Speaker Series features NIEHS parents sharing how young people with disabilities and their families are dealing with the crisis.
November 2020
Climate Change, COVID-19 a Double Whammy for Vulnerable Populations – November 1, 2020
Extreme weather can worsen health problems for poor communities and minority groups battling COVID-19, said experts at NIEHS event.
October 2020
Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Likely, Say Experts – October 1, 2020
National Academies workshop brings clarity to a key question underpinning the global pandemic’s spread.
COVID-19 Research Funding Targets Role of Genes, Environment – October 1, 2020
NIEHS and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases seek to understand why ome people are more vulnerable to the disease.
NIEHS Pandemic Vulnerability Tool a Hit in Wake County School – October 1, 2020
New lesson plans enhance students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging them to assess various COVID-19 risk factors.
SARS-CoV-2 Blocked by Newly Discovered Nanobodies — From a Llama – October 1, 2020
Antibody fragments that blocked the novel coronavirus from entering human cells show promise for treating COVID-19, yet need more study.
Computational Modeling Identifies Drug Candidates for SARS-CoV-2 – October 1, 2020
Scientists from the Division of the National Toxicology Program and their collaborators used computational modeling to probe databases and identify existing drugs that could be repurposed to fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 Safety Plan Brought All Hands on Deck at NIEHS – October 1, 2020
Behind-the-scenes efforts ensured employees can return safely to work and have resulted in zero on-site transmissions.
September 2020
Sleep Well During the Pandemic – September 1, 2021
Jackson shared practical tips for getting adequate, restful sleep during the pandemic on the NIH #CopingWithCOVID19 livestream series.
Pandemic Preparedness Requires Weather, Health Data, Experts Say – September 1, 2020
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists discussed how to bolster infectious disease modeling during an NIEHS webinar.
NIEHS Supports Workers With Essential COVID-19 Training – September 1, 2020
Health care professionals and vulnerable populations benefit from targeted education.
Virtual COVID-19 Education Reaches U.S. and International Students – September 1, 2020
An NIEHS grant recipient started a new teaching series at Johns Hopkins University that helps youth protect themselves and others.
August 2020
COVID-19 Antibody Study Launched by NIEHS – August 1, 2020
Year-long research project seeks much-needed information about antibodies from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
COVID-19 Testing Technologies Boosted by New Funding – August 1, 2020
NIH supports diagnostic test research, including $1 million to NIEHS scientists Oswaldo Lozoya and Douglas Bell.
NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium Attracts National Audience – August 1, 2020
Early-career scientists gained insight from leaders in industry, government, and academia during the virtual event.
NIEHS Employees Unite to Support Food Drive – August 1, 2020
Annual food drive goes virtual, meeting needs greater than ever, during coronavirus pandemic.
Teachers Take Virtual Tour of NIEHS, Brainstorm COVID-19 Lesson Plans – August 1, 2020
The institute hosted 55 educators from Wake County, North Carolina, as part of the annual SummerSTEM program.
May 2020
COVID-19 Research Grants Get Rapid NIEHS Funding – May 1, 2020
New opportunities for scientists to study how the environment may affect health outcomes related to the disease.
NIEHS Scientists Join the Fight Against COVID-19 – May 1, 2020
Across the institute, researchers are lending their expertise to the fight against the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 Researchers Gain Quick Access to Surveys, Protocols – May 1, 2020
Ready access to survey questionnaires, study protocols, and other resources makes for quick study launch and more consistent data.
April 2020
NIEHS Cryo-EM Resources Support Fight Against Novel Coronavirus – April 1, 2020
NIEHS research on the virus aims to reveal structures suitable for targeted development of potential vaccines and treatments.
Protecting Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak – April 1, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIEHS Worker Training Program showcased strategies to protect frontline workers, during a virtual workshop.
Global Environmental Health
COVID-19 Recovery Plans Should Put Children First, Experts Say – August 1, 2020
A new commentary from the World Health Organization (WHO)-UNICEF-Lancet Commission highlights the impacts of COVID-19 on children and calls for putting children at the center of recovery plans.
Join a Study
COVID-19 Antibody Detection Study – July 1, 2020
This yearlong study will test adult volunteers for antibodies in their blood that indicate exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Lesson Plans
COVID-19 PVI Lessons Plans – October 6, 2020
Examining Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Using the Pandemic Vulnerability Index.
Partnerships for Environmental Public Health
New Story Map Shows COVID-19 Disparities Along Racial and Ethnic Lines – September 1, 2020
A new interactive story map developed by NIEHS-funded researchers sheds light on how certain Los Angeles communities are faring in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Press Releases
NIEHS Earns WELL Building Rating Amid Pandemic – April 12, 2021
On March 30, 2021, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) became the first federal agency to achieve the International WELL Building Institute’s Health-Safety Rating.
Workplace Chemical Exposure Study Leads to Small Business COVID-19 Awareness Campaign – February 16, 2021
Small business owners can take advantage of one-on-one training in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, thanks to a project led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences in collaboration with the Sonora Environmental Resources Institute (SERI) and El Rio Health.
NIH to Support Radical Approaches to Nationwide COVID-19 Testing and Surveillance – December 21, 2020
RADx-rad program will fund non-traditional and repurposed technologies to combat the current pandemic and address future viral disease outbreaks.
COVID-19 Workers Get Training to Protect Their Own Health – March 23, 2020
NIEHS Worker Training Program is creating a COVID-19 virtual safety training initiative for frontline responders including emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, environmental cleanup workers, high-risk custodial service workers, food processing and delivery workers, water and sewage treatment workers, sanitation workers, and health care facility employees.
Superfund Research Program
Special COVID-19 Supplements and Activities – December 9, 2020
In response to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, SRP provided supplemental funding to Centers to expand upon the foundation established under their existing SRP grants to meet immediate needs to address the public health crisis.
Superfund Research Program Science Digest
Director's Letter – June 1, 2020
The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created uncertainty and strained our communities, businesses, and workplaces.
Worker Training Program
Protecting Infectious Disease Responders During the COVID-19 Outbreak – March 17, 2020
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